MLS Playoff Format Changes For 2019 Season

(New York, NY) Today, Major League Soccer have officially announced a playoff format change for the 2019 season.

The playoffs are no longer a two-legged series and the top 7 teams from each conference will be eligible. The 1st seed will continue to have a first round bye, while the 2nd place team will now play the 7th seed.

Credit: Major League Soccer

Home field advantage changes in a major way under the new format. The higher seeded plays as the host team through the tournament.

The format change also brings a condensed playoff schedule. The two international breaks, often cited as momentum killers, now bookend the playoff schedule .